Well — here's to five more.Five more UCP MLAs are facing recall petitions, as announced Tuesday.The MLA for Spruce Grove-Stony Plain and Minister of Children and Family Services, Searle Turton, is one of them, a petition submitted by the applicant, Mona O'Neil.O'Neil stated in the petition application that Turton should be recalled "due to his lack of engagement with constituents and his disregard for their needs.""Searle [Turton] did not allow constituents to see the contents or provide feedback on Bill 2 prior to his voting in favour of this unprecedented restriction of his constituents' Charter rights.".By Bill 2, O'Neil is referring to the back-to-work legislation that forced teachers back to work after an almost month-long strike.The government invoked the notwithstanding clause when they legislated the bill, allowing provincial legislation to operate despite the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Charter, including the ATA's ability to strike.But wait there's more — the MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock, Glenn Van Dijken, whose petition applicant Aaron Conner, stated in the application, "His behaviour [Van Dijken] constitutes dereliction of duty to his constituents, especially as he has placed toeing the party line above protecting the rights of his constituents." The MLA for Camrose is also facing a petition — Jackie Lovely her petition application was submitted by Theressa Hill, stated in the application:"As a member of the UCP, Jackie Lovely has supported legislation and budget decisions that many consider harmful to public education, healthcare, and workers' rights.".The MLA for Lethbridge-East is also facing recall, Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Nathan Neudorf, and his petition was submitted by Ryan Tanner, who stated:"Recent voting activity from him [Neudorf] demonstrates a disconnect and his inability to meet the needs, desires, and expectations of those he represents."Lastly, the MLA for Red Deer-South, Jason Stephan, has a recall application submitted by Nicole Green, who stated in the application:"He [Stephan] closed his office during the teachers' strike and then voted 'yes' to use the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work.".This follows six other recall campaigns issued for MLAs yesterday.Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure has previously requested an additional $13.5 million in budget funding, stating the cost of managing these petitions requires more staff and resources.
